And former United centre-back McQueen reckons Stoke's Ryan Shawcross and Swansea's Ashley Williams should be top of the Dutchman's wish list.

Van Gaal is understood to be keen to strengthen his defensive ranks in the new year having seen his options at the back ravaged by injuries and suspensions during the opening four months of the season.

Youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair, who have come into the fold in the absences of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo, have impressed with a number of promising displays.

But despite these encouraging signs, McQueen is urging Van Gaal to add some Premier League experience to his backline to help guide both Blackett and McNair through their development.

And the Scot, who enjoyed seven years at Old Trafford, says former United starlet Shawcross and Wales international Williams would fit the bill.

"Let's not forget that long-term this is Manchester United who are looking to win Premier League titles and Champions League titles and these young players need a steadying influence alongside them," the 62-year-old told Manchester Evening News.

"Let's not be carried away by the Arsenal performance. We shouldn't forget that, though I was pleased how the defence eventually responded, United could have been two or three down at half-time and out of it. They got away with it on Saturday.

FIT THE BILL: McQueen believes Ashley Williams would also do the job at United [GETTY]

“The club will be on the look out I am sure for new players. Ryan Shawcross and Ashley Williams fit the bill”

Gordon McQueen

"The defence still remains an area that needs attention. I don't think I could have named United's best back four last season and so I certainly couldn't do it this campaign.

"The club will be on the look out I am sure for new players. Ryan Shawcross and Ashley Williams fit the bill.

"They are reliable and you can always call on them. They are consistent.

"I saw Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough a lot and week in, week out you could count on Gareth. He was always available and was always consistent with his form.

"Someone along those lines would be ideal. They are hard to come by but they are still out there.

"Players of that ilk are what is needed by United's younger players to help them along. They would benefit from it.

"You need someone you can hang your hat on every week. The Reds haven't really got that at the moment since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left."